KNUTSFORD’S hockey women showed signs they will not be relegated without a fight after an improved performance at Wrexham on Saturday.

The visitors ended a five-match sequence without scoring a goal when they crossed the border to Wales, but lost by the odd goal in five after a close encounter.

They trailed midway through the first half, only for player of the match Gill Lunt to restore parity soon afterwards.

Wrexham’s lead was 3-1 at the interval, but they were second best for the remainder.

Knutsford halved their arrears when Hannah Webb scored, going close more than once to an equaliser when passes across the face of goal lacked only a decisive touch.

Defeat leaves them bottom of the table, but a single point from safety.

They host Northop Hall at Knutsford Leisure Centre this weekend.

Knutsford’s men recorded a first win of the calendar year on Saturday, avenging a home defeat earlier in the campaign against Lymm.

A 4-1 success in Warrington stops a run of back-to-back defeats, with the gap to a promotion place currently eight points.

Strugglers City of Manchester seconds, sat ninth, provide the opposition this weekend.

Knutsford men’s seconds were 5-1 winners at Lymm in Division Five South, while the club’s thirds edged Macclesfield fourths 2-1 in Division Eight South East.

Dave Rees scored on his return to action after four months on the sidelines after surgery.

The Black Knights’ winner followed when Karl Stanier slotted home a short corner.